UVA, UVB and UV testing in Horse Fly and Sun Protection Products.

Many modern fly masks and fly rugs now include built-in UV protection for horses, but what does that really mean? How do we measure UV protection, and why is it important for equine wellbeing? Let’s break it down.

What is UV?

UV stands for ultraviolet radiation, a type of energy emitted by the sun. It's invisible to the human eye and sits just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum. Although we can’t see it, UV can have a significant effect on the skin, eyes, and immune system — not just in humans, but in horses too. But is UV all bad? Horses are less reliant on sunlight for vitamin D production compared to humans. Humans need more sun exposure to synthesize enough vitamin D, while horses can obtain vitamin D from dietary sources like grass and hay. In humans, it’s suggested that UV can help improve our mood through the production of certain chemicals called tryptamines.

There are three types of UV radiation:

  • UVA (long-wave)
  • UVB (medium-wave)
  • UVC (short-wave, largely filtered by the ozone layer)

The two types we need to worry about are UVA and UVB, which both reach the earth’s surface and affect living tissue in different ways.

The Difference Between UVA and UVB

Understanding the distinction between UVA and UVB is crucial when evaluating UV protection in fly masks and horse rugs.

UVA:

  • UVA rays account for about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth.
  • These rays are at lower energy levels than other UV rays.
  • This is what is most commonly used in tanning beds.
  • This is the type of UV that causes skin to age, with effects such as wrinkles.

UVB:

  • UVB rays have higher energy levels than UVA.
  • They are the cause of most skin cancers in humans but also contribute to aging signs.
  • UVB is usually the cause of sunburn that appears a few hours after sun exposure, rather than immediately.
  • For horses with pink skin or light-coloured coats, the effects of UVB in particular can be severe. UVB exposure can also aggravate conditions like photosensitivity, and even some eye conditions.

Why UV Protection Matters for Horses

Some horses, especially those with:

  • White or pink skin on the face or body
  • Conditions such as photosensitisation or headshaking
  • Previous history of sunburn or skin damage
  • Uveitis

...are especially vulnerable to UV exposure.

Protective fly masks and rugs that block UV rays can help reduce discomfort, prevent skin damage, and allow horses to stay out in the field longer during sunny months — while staying protected.

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How is UV Protection Tested in Fly Masks & Rugs?

When a fly mask or rug claims to offer UV protection, that’s not just marketing fluff — or at least, it shouldn’t be. We carry out lab testing to determine how much UV radiation our fabric can block.

Here’s how that testing typically works:

UVA vs UVB Testing
Some tests evaluate total UV protection, while others separately assess UVA and UVB penetration. The gold standard is a material that offers high protection against both. We test both our Fly Masks and Fly Rugs to this standard.

Real-World Use
While lab testing is key, field trials can help confirm how products perform in actual turnout situations — especially for horses with UV-sensitive conditions.

Did you know? Our fly masks and fly rugs are independently tested to ensure they block over 70% of UV rays — helping protect your horse from both UVA and UVB exposure.

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In Summary

UV rays can be just as harmful to horses as they are to us — particularly for sensitive-skinned horses, those prone to sunburn, or those with certain skin and eye conditions.

By understanding what UV is, how UVA and UVB differ, and how UV protection is tested, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right UV-blocking fly masks and rugs to keep your horse comfortable and protected.

Explore our range of UV-tested fly masks and rugs and help your horse stay safe in the summer sun.

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